HIS UNEXPECTED MATE

Deep Within the Woods...

Luna Cindy's bare feet barely touched the ground before she took off again. Soaked in sweat and smeared with blood, she ran deeper into the forest, one arm clutching her tender abdomen as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"I have to keep going... I have to lead them away from her," she whispered breathlessly, eyes darting around as her chest heaved. Behind her, the thunderous pounding of horses shattered the stillness, their hooves crashing through the bush, their voices and wild howls echoing through the air.

"Find her and bring me that cursed child!" the head warrior's voice roared.

Cindy's heart sank. Her eyes widened in terror as she tripped, nearly falling. Her knees buckled beneath her, the pain searing through her legs, but she forced herself upright. She had to keep running. She had to stay ahead.

But she wasn't fast enough.

The head warrior lunged and grabbed her roughly. Her breath hitched, and her eyes fluttered shut as realization gripped her chest like a vice. This was the end. The warriors of the Lunaria Pack would never spare her life-not after what her husband had done.

"I'll only ask you once!" the head warrior snarled.

But Cindy said nothing.

"Where is she?!" he screamed again.

Cindy slowly lifted her chin and gave a bitter, blood-streaked smile. "I thought you said you'd only ask once."

"Search the entire forest!" he roared. "Bring me that child!"

"You'll never find her!" she spat defiantly, locking eyes with him, then spitting in his face.

The slap came hard and fast, making her head whip to the side.

"You will bear the consequences of your husband's betrayal," he growled.

"Why don't you just kill me already?" she cried out. "You've destroyed my pack! Killed my people!"

"Your greedy husband should've thought of that before declaring war."

"Bring her along!" the warrior barked. He mounted his horse and galloped away as the others dragged Luna Cindy through the dirt.

Silence slowly fell over the forest, thick and suffocating.

Unknown to her, a lone warrior had been dispatched to search the woods. The trees trembled, the air tense, every shadow stretched long as the hunters closed in.

But fate had other plans.

Moments later, a group of human hunters stumbled upon a child wrapped in the finest animal fur, lying motionless beside their tent.

"What the hell...?" one of them muttered, frozen in shock.

"What do we do?" asked the second hunter, eyes wide.

"She looks... healthy. Fragile," said the third, his voice uncertain.

"This is insane!" the first hunter exploded. "Who the hell leaves a baby alone in the middle of these woods?"

"Is there any note? A letter or something?" the third one asked, glancing around.

His friends blinked at him.

"What? I've seen this in movies. There's always a letter or something," he added.

"I'm not touching her, man," the first hunter muttered, stepping back.

"Me neither!" the second one agreed quickly.

The third hunter chuckled and stepped forward.

"Hey! You crazy?" the first hunter barked, pulling him back.

"It's okay," he whispered. He carefully lifted the baby into his arms. "It's a girl."

"This is messed up," the second hunter said, his voice hushed. "What are we supposed to do with a mysterious baby in the middle of cursed woods?"

"We could keep her," the third hunter said quietly, already smiling as the baby cooed in his arms.

His companions exchanged a look that screamed disbelief.

"We?" the first hunter said incredulously.

"No!" the second said, exasperated.

Billy, the third hunter, scoffed and playfully tossed the baby in the air. She giggled, her little pink gums showing, and for a heartbeat, everything stopped.

Just the two of them,him and the child, bonding in a silent connection. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she fell asleep peacefully.

"You serious, man?" the second hunter asked, still stunned.

Billy nodded. "Sarah and I have always wanted a child. Maybe... maybe this is how the universe gives her to us."

"You don't know what you're getting into. That child,she might be something more... something dangerous," the first hunter warned.

"Nah. I believe she's a gift from God."

"You're preaching to an atheist?" the second hunter chuckled.

"I'm an atheist," Billy said. "Not a non-believer."

"Same difference," the second hunter muttered.

"No, it's not. I just don't believe in God's existence. Doesn't mean I reject everything."

"You might be dragging yourself and Sarah into danger, man. That child,she could be cursed."

"Just give her to the police," the first hunter suggested. Then he suddenly froze. "Did you guys hear that?"

"Hear what?" whispered the second hunter.

"Footsteps," Billy replied quietly.

"I've heard stories... about something that lives deep in these woods."

"I told you coming here was a mistake," the first hunter muttered. "We need to leave. Now."

"What about the child?"

"Are you crazy? A baby just lying here, and you think she's a miracle?"

"Calm down. We'll figure it out after we get out of here," the second hunter said.

"Keep that cursed thing away from me!" the first snapped and stormed off.

"You don't have to do this," the second told Billy gently.

Billy didn't answer. He turned and walked in the opposite direction, the child still held tightly in his arms.

**

New York City ★ 10 PM

Mr. Billy walked through the front door and gently laid the sleeping baby on the couch. He called out to his wife:

"Honey! Can you come down for a minute?" But there was no response.

He called again, rubbing his hands together nervously, then walked into the kitchen and back out, scanning the space. "Where could she be?" he murmured.

He made his way upstairs,and nearly tripped over her.

Sarah sat slumped against the wall, her head buried in her hands.

"Oh! I didn't know you were here. I've been calling..." he whispered, helping her up.

Sarah lifted her head, her long black hair falling to one side. She looked young, beautiful,maybe in her late twenties,but her eyes were red and tired.

"I'm fine," she mumbled, forcing a weak smile. "You're home early."

"I have a surprise for you," Billy said gently. He covered her eyes and led her to the living room.

"What is this about?" Sarah giggled softly.

"We're here," Billy whispered and uncovered her eyes.

She gasped. "A baby? Her eyes... Billy! Where did? What's going on?"

"Calm down, love," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Who is she, Billy? Is she one of your mistress's children?" Sarah's voice cracked, her pain raw and bleeding into her words.

"That's enough, Sarah!" Billy's voice sharpened. "I won't let you insult me over one mistake I made years ago!"

"One mistake?" she sobbed. "Now it all makes sense,why you never cared that I couldn't give you children."

"I'm sorry," he said, his tone softening. "I didn't mean to yell. And she... she's not mine."

"Are you telling the truth?" she whispered.

"Every word," Billy nodded, his eyes sincere.

"Then who is she?"

Billy sighed and told her everything,the woods, the baby, the hunters, how he found her alone in the cold.

"Oh, the poor child," Sarah whispered. She reached out, brushing the baby's cheek. "Can we keep her?" she asked with a small, hopeful smile.

Billy nodded and pulled them both into a tight embrace.

*****

Later That Night...

Billy drifted into sleep. In his dream, he stood at the very spot in the forest where they had found the baby. But this time, he wasn't alone.

A mysterious woman stood before him,her piercing blue eyes glowing. Blood trickled down her legs, yet her face held no fear.

"She shall be called Iridessa," she whispered.

"Who are you?" Billy asked.

The woman didn't answer. She simply smiled,and vanished.

Billy awoke with a start, a cold sweat covering his skin.

"Iridessa..." he murmured, rising from the bed and walking to where Sarah held the baby.

"We'll name her Iridessa," he said solemnly.

"Iridessa?" Sarah repeated, and the baby giggled.

Billy lifted her gently into his arms.

"Iridessa," he said once more, firmly.

And just then, thunder cracked across the sky. Lightning lit up the night.

A name had been spoken.

And fate had been sealed.

18 YEARS LATER...

★ IRIDESSA'S ROOM – 8 PM ★

Iridessa stepped into her room with a bright, dreamy smile lighting up her face. She closed the door behind her and twirled around in a playful dance, her long blonde hair wrapped in a towel and her silky night robe fluttering with the breeze drifting in from the open window. The sky outside was dark and stormy, thick clouds threatening rain.

"It's the middle of summer, for goodness' sake," she muttered, staring at the empty street below. A sudden bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, making her jump as she rushed to close the windows.

She walked over to her mirror, gazing at her own reflection.

"Who's turning eighteen in two days?" she whispered with a cheeky wink.

"You are, honey!" her mother's voice echoed from behind.

"Mother!" Iridessa laughed. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to see just how beautiful and grown-up my little Dessa has become," Mrs. Billy replied with a proud smile.

Iridessa smiled and gave another playful twirl before planting a kiss on her mother's cheek.

"I know, Mummy," she giggled sweetly.

"You'll always be my baby," Sarah chuckled softly and walked away, her heart swelling.

*****

Sarah stepped into the bedroom and sank down beside her husband. Her eyes were red and glassy, her face painted with silent sorrow.

"Hey... are you crying?" Billy asked gently.

"Tears of joy," she whispered, wiping her face quickly. "I still can't believe it's been eighteen years..."

"And you've done an incredible job raising her," Billy said warmly, pressing a kiss to her forehead and pulling her into his arms. "I'm so proud of you."

"Honey..." Sarah said after a long pause, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think we should tell her?"

"Tell her what?" Billy frowned, although his tone betrayed that he already knew.

"The truth!" Sarah snapped, her voice tight with emotion. "Don't pretend. You know she'll find out eventually..."

"She'll understand. Remember what the old mysterious woman told us?" Billy murmured, his expression darkening with worry.

Sarah sighed deeply and nodded, her hand resting over her chest.

"Come here," he whispered, hugging her tighter.

"I'm scared," she admitted quietly.

"Everything will be alright... I promise."

"But what if she has to leave us?" Sarah gasped, her voice breaking.

"Iridessa will grow up someday. She'll have her own life, her own family. It's part of her journey..."

"But what if"

"Shhh," Billy placed a finger gently on her lips. "I love you," he whispered before leaning in. Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss as Sarah melted into his arms.

****

That night, Iridessa slept soundly,until her dreams swept her away to a strange, unsettling place. She found herself surrounded by shadows, standing in the middle of a misty, unfamiliar forest.

"Hello?" she called out, her voice echoing eerily through the silent woods.

"You're the key..." a voice whispered behind her, sending a chill down her spine.

She whirled around and found herself face to face with a mysterious woman,her piercing blue eyes haunting, her presence surreal.

"Who... who are you?" Iridessa stammered.

The woman didn't answer. Instead, she turned and began to walk away.

"Wait!" Iridessa called out, hurrying after her.

The woman suddenly stopped and turned back. Her earlier smile had faded, replaced by a sorrowful expression as tears brimmed in her eyes.

"Who are you?" Iridessa asked again, her voice trembling.

"You're the key," the woman repeated softly. "I've waited for you to free me..."

"The key?! What key?" Iridessa cried out, but before she could say another word, the woman vanished into the darkness.

Iridessa sat up in bed with a gasp, clutching her chest. Her eyes darted around the room, but everything was in place. "Was that... just a dream?" she whispered. It felt far too real.

She stumbled out of bed and moved to the mirror, her hands trembling as she stared at herself.

"She wants me to free her," she whispered to her reflection, still shaken.

Suddenly, her phone rang, jolting her out of her thoughts.

"Hey, bitch!" her best friend Glow's voice blasted through the phone.

"Glow!" Iridessa winced, rolling her eyes. "Calm down! You're gonna burst my eardrum!"

"What are your plans for your big day, bestie?!" Glow asked excitedly.

"It's not even morning yet!" Iridessa groaned, running a hand through her hair.

"Want me to pick you up tomorrow?"

"Jeff is picking me up," Iridessa replied with a blush creeping up her cheeks.

"Ooooh! Okay, girl!!" Glow teased. They continued chatting about random things before eventually ending the call.

"I'm not going to let some weird dream ruin my day," Iridessa muttered as she stepped into the bathroom.

**

Later, Iridessa returned to her room, decorated with vibrant posters of Cardi B, V, and RM from BTS. An assortment of chocolates and candies lay neatly on her bed, while a family portrait hung above the headboard, giving the room a warm, loving glow.

She twirled again in front of the mirror, admiring her long, slender legs. She reached for her phone, but paused when she heard voices,muffled, but intense.

"Billy," Sarah's voice trembled. "Are you okay?"

"What's wrong?" Billy asked, concern creeping into his voice.

"I had a terrible dream," she murmured. "A woman... with piercing blue eyes... she told me we must tell Iridessa the truth once she turns eighteen."

Billy froze. The newspaper in his hands slipped a little as he looked up, his eyes dark with dread.

"I never thought this day would come," he said hoarsely. "That was the day I brought her home..."

"Our daughter? You're still calling her our daughter?" Sarah snapped, her voice rising.

"The same woman appeared to me too... She insisted we name her Iridessa."

Sarah gasped. "Wait... You kept this from me for eighteen years?" she yelled.

Iridessa's heart raced. She flung her door open, but no one was there. Still, she was certain,she'd heard them.

"I'm not crazy," she whispered, backing away.

"We have to tell her," Sarah continued.

"You'll do no such thing," Billy replied firmly.

"She doesn't belong here... That's what the woman said..."

"What woman?" came a trembling voice behind them.

Billy and Sarah turned in shock to see Iridessa standing there, her face pale and streaked with tears.

"How long have you been standing there?" Billy stammered.

"And how much did you hear?" Sarah whispered, her voice shaking.

"What woman?!" Iridessa cried, her voice breaking.

"We're not your real parents..." Sarah confessed.

"That's enough, Sarah!" Billy shouted.

"What are you saying?" Iridessa demanded, her voice cracking. "What are you talking about?!"

"We can explain!" Billy tried to reach out.

"Don't touch me!" she screamed, yanking away.

And with that, Iridessa turned and bolted, disappearing into the cold, lonely night...

"Call 911, Billy!" Sarah screamed, her voice trembling.

Billy shot into motion, grabbing the phone with trembling hands as a thousand terrifying thoughts raced through his mind. A teenager alone on the streets of New York? Anything could happen. His heart skipped a beat as he quickly dialed the emergency number.

"911, what's your emergency?" a calm voice answered.

"There's been a situation at my residence," Billy stammered, trying to keep his voice steady.

"What's your address?" the operator asked.

"24 Street Avenue..."

"Hold on a second; we actually have a few patrol officers near your location."

"Wait, did you just say outside my residence?" Billy asked, surprised.

"Yes, Mr. Billy. A teenage girl was involved in a car accident near that area. We'll send someone to your flat immediately to take a statement and begin a search."

"Thank you!" Billy exhaled and hung up.

Sarah's eyes widened. "What do we do now?" she whispered, her voice shaky.

"Right now, we wait for the team and pray she's safe," Billy muttered, pacing the room with nervous energy.

"I'm sorry," Sarah whispered, guilt evident in her tone.

Billy opened his mouth to respond, but the doorbell rang.

"Dessa?" Sarah gasped and rushed to the door, flinging it open.

"911, ma'am," a tall, fair-skinned woman in her late thirties said.

"We need to take a statement about your missing daughter," a male officer added.

"Please come in," Sarah forced a tight smile and stepped aside.

"Thank you. We'll need to ask a few questions to aid the investigation," the female officer said, flashing a polite smile as she pulled out a notepad.

"Her name is Iridessa. She's seventeen," Sarah began, voice cracking.

The female officer looked up sharply. "Seventeen?"

"Almost eighteen," Billy added quickly.

"Tomorrow," Sarah whispered, blinking her tears away .

The male officer frowned. "Why would a seventeen-year-old run away from home?" His tone was cold, accusing.

"She... she..." Billy struggled to find the words.

"Listen, sir. If you want our help finding your daughter, we need the truth," the male officer snapped.

"That's enough, Officer John," the woman cut in sharply before turning back to the couple. "I apologize for his tone."

"We had a disagreement. Things got heated... so she ran out," Sarah explained.

"Disagreement?"

"Yes," Sarah nodded, wiping her eyes.

"Can you describe her appearance and what she was last seen wearing?"

"She's fair-skinned, blonde curls, blue eyes, slightly tall. She wore a black cold-shoulder top, a wrap skirt, and knee-high boots," Sarah recited, trying to keep her voice steady.

The female officer scribbled down the details and gave a satisfied nod. "That should be all for now. If we locate her, we'll contact you immediately. In the meantime, you may want to reach out to her friends or possibly her boyfriend. She could be with one of them."

"Thank you, Officer Kate," Sarah and Billy said in unison as they walked the officers out.

"I'll call Jeff," Billy muttered, heading upstairs.

Sarah sighed deeply and dialed Glow's number.

****

A few moments later...

"Thanks. Please let me know if you hear anything," Sarah said and hung up.

Billy returned. "Any updates?"

"None of her friends have seen her. Did you reach Jeff?"

"I called twice. No answer. I left a voicemail."

Sarah's hands trembled. "This is all my fault," she whispered, breaking into tears.

****

★ RAVE CAVE CLUB ★

Iridessa gulped down her fourth shot of vodka. The bitter liquid scorched her tongue, and tears blurred her vision.

"My whole life's been a goddamn lie," she sobbed, pouring another shot and drunk it in one gulp. Her phone lit up, Glow. The screen glowed as the call rang and ended. Countless missed calls and messages followed, from her parents, friends, even her boyfriend.

"Your parents are worried sick. Please come home."

Parents, she scoffed bitterly, chucking the phone aside.

She staggered toward the stage as Cardi B's "WAP" blared through the speakers. Iridessa began to move-hips rolling, body moving to the beat. Cheers and lustful eyes followed her every motion, and for once, the attention felt like a distraction she desperately needed.

Then, thunder roared violently, shaking the club and making the lights flicker. They went out, then blinked back on. That's when she saw him.

A tall figure at the far end of the club, cloaked in black. Strippers hovered around him, but his piercing green eyes cut through the crowd and locked with hers. He held a glass of rum, and though the connection lasted only seconds before he looked away, it struck her like lightning.

"Whoa," Iridessa muttered, eyes darting toward the ceiling. "Feels like the sun just rose, and it's blinding."

Before she could think further, a man suddenly grabbed her arm, yanking her close and inhaling deeply at her neck.

"Hey, prettiest girl in the room... wanna dance?" he asked, eyes glinting.

"No, thanks," Iridessa replied flatly, attempting to walk away, but he pulled her back.

"Come on now, don't be shy. I've been watching you wiggle those sexy little hips. Come whine for zaddy," he grinned smugly.

"She's with me. Back off."

The voice was cold. Dangerous. An arm wrapped tightly around Iridessa's waist.

She turned, stunned. It was the same green-eyed stranger from earlier.

"Hey, baby," he winked. Her heart skipped a beat.

"She's mine. Why don't you go find another bitch? I saw her first!" the man growled.

"Let the lady decide," the stranger responded, eyes glowing with a flicker of red that burned like embers.

"Easy, man. We can share," the man sneered, licking his lips as his eyes raked over Iridessa.

"Are all humans this disgusting?" Zyair groaned. Without warning, he delivered a brutal punch that sent the man flying across the room. The crowd gasped.

"Did you see that?!"

"He's a demon!"

"We need to leave," Zyair muttered, grabbing Iridessa's hand.

"Let go of me! Who... who are you?" she stammered, her voice trembling as he dragged her with him.

In an instant, they were on the rooftop.

Iridessa gasped and stumbled back. "Are you an angel... or a demon?"

Zyair rolled his eyes. "So this is the thank-you I get for saving a reckless little human?" he snapped, speaking to his inner wolf.

"This is why you were restless? Over her?"

He paused, eyes studying her vulnerable form. "She is... beautiful," he murmured.

"More than the girls I've had before?" he muttered to himself.

"Nope. Bluey's still the hottest," he shrugged.

"Watch your language, she's the Beta's daughter."

"Didn't stop her from moaning and begging for mercy."

"Can we leave now?" Zyair asked, turning away without sparing Iridessa another glance.

"We can't just leave her up here," his wolf snapped.

"She's drunk. Humans always get drunk, whether happy or miserable... strange race," Zyair muttered.

"To hell with my parents!" Iridessa suddenly screamed through sobs. Before Zyair could react, she lunged toward the rooftop edge. He moved faster than thought, yanking her back just in time. They crashed to the floor, Iridessa landing right on top of him.

Zyair froze as he felt his arousal spring to life beneath her.

Eyes wide, he tried to push her off, but she surprised him, leaning in and crashing her lips onto his.

Zyair's breath caught in his throat.

His eyes snapped open, stunned.